calendar

Book Signing Chris Sorensen, author of "The Greatest Discovery," will have a pre-release signing at Little Professor Book Center in the Chesterfield Meadows Shopping Center. 6423 Centralia Road. 777-9388.

Flicker Richmond's bimonthly screening of short films by local filmmakers returns to the Canal Club tonight at 8 p.m. $3. 1545 E. Cary St.

music

Music at Midday A series of programs that begin at noon and feature student and adult choirs and string groups from the Richmond area. The Jefferson Hotel. For performance schedule, call 788-8000.

New Age Concert Pianist and New Age composer Richard Shulman performs a service of remembrance at the Unity Christ Church of Bon Air, 7:30 p.m. 320-5584.

The Richmond Intercollegiate Orchestra will take the stage at the University of Richmond to perform Haydn's last symphony (the "London Symphony"). Performance also features Respighi's "The Birds" and "The Lark Ascending" by Vaughan Williams, at 7:30 p.m. Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music, University of Richmond. Open to public. Free. 289-8277.

Virginia Historical Society The Banner Lecture Series presents "The Last Days of the Confederate Capital" by Nelson D. Lankford, noon. 428 N. Boulevard. Adults $5, seniors $4, children $3, free for students. 358-4901.

music

Musical Soul Portraits Pianist and New Age music composer Richard Shulman offers to compose musical numbers for the souls of individuals, couples or groups, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Unity Christ Church of Bon Air. $175. Call the church at 320-5584 for reservations.

3rd Annual Urban Light Works More than 30 Native Americans kick off the event with a ceremonial drum-and-dance performance celebrating the spirits of the holidays, 6-9 p.m. in Shockoe Bottom. After-party at the Canal Club with local bands. Free (suggested donation, $5).

16th annual Grand Illumination Come see this seasonal spectacle of the River District illuminated with many thousands of Christmas lights. Entertainment will include music, the VMI Marching Band, clowns, jugglers and magicians plus Santa, Snow Bear and the Snow Queen, 6-7 p.m. at the James Center. 344-3232.

Celebrate, Illuminate will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Follow the lights to a majestic shopping extravaganza at the 17th Street Farmers' Market. Find something for everyone on your list. 100 N. 17th St. 646-0477.

Replica of Bethlehem In its third year, Cornerstone Assembly of God constructs its replica of Bethlehem on the church grounds for the holidays. Also Dec. 7 and Dec. 13-14, 7-10 p.m. 10551 Chalkley Road. 706-5600.

Santa Moves to New Home at the Richmond Convention Center with legendary Snow Queen and the Elves Friday through Christmas Eve, at the corner of Marshall and Third streets. For information, reservations and tickets for breakfast or lunch with Santa, call 1-888-742-4666 or visit www.downtownpresents.org.

Star Trek Reception Meet the actors behind such Star Trek shows as "Enterprise"'s Admiral Forest, "The Next Generation"'s Commander Toreth and "Deep Space Nine"'s Nog at the Virginia Aviation Museum for hand shakes and autographs. Also on view will be a Regal Star Trek "Nemesis" float for the annual Ukrop's Christmas Parade and a plane once owned by original starship Enterprise designer Walter Matthew Jefferies, 7-9 p.m. Admission, $20; autographs, $10. Located at the RIC airport. Tickets, 236-3622.

Strolling Musicians in the River District Join in the fun as carolers and musicians bring holiday cheer to the downtown River District. Musicians will be strolling between Shockoe Slip, the Canal Turning Basin and The Farmers' Market in Shockoe Bottom. 6-8 p.m. Details, www.richmondriverdistrict.com.

music

Bluegrass and Barbecue Just like the name says, with home-cooked food and local acoustic music benefiting the Eastern Hanover Volunteer Fire Department the first Friday of every month, 6 p.m. at the Old East Hanover Co. 3 Fire Station. $12.50 includes meal and music. Children 5 and younger, $5. Corner of New Bethesda Road and Route 360. 730-4962.

Holiday Music Union-PSCE will have a service of lessons and carols performed by the seminary choir, 7:30 p.m. in Watts Chapel. 3401 Brook Road. 278-4306.

Music at Midday A holiday tradition, this series of programs that begin at noon at the Jefferson Hotel features student and adult choirs and string groups from the Richmond area. For schedule, call 788-8000.

New Age Concert Pianist Richard Shulman celebrates the release of his new CD, "Camelot Reawakened: A Vision Fulfilled," with a solo concert on keyboards at the Unity Christ Church of Bon Air, 7:30 p.m. A "love donation" of $15 is suggested. 320-5584.

Richmond Songwriter Series continues at the Eureka! Theater at the Science Museum of Virginia with Kris Delmhorst, 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $12 in advance at Plan 9 Music, $15 at door.261-3618.

Rockabilly Rockville Holiday Show Features music from "The Company Store," 7-10 p.m. at the Rockville Center on Pouncey Tract Road. Adults $5, Children $1. 749-3536.

The Spirit of Christmas Members from Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance and other local dance schools sing and dance their way into the holiday season with a production at 7 and 8:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Performance repeats Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: $12. Reservations required. 2880 Mountain Road. 730-1740.

The Richmond Symphony conducted by Mark Russell Smith will perform this year's production of Handel's "Messiah," which also features the Richmond Symphony Chorus, 8 p.m. at the Carpenter Center. Tickets: $10-$35. 600 E. Grace St. 649-0577.

1708 Gallery The "Small Works Invitational," this year's holiday event, features 90 local, regional, national and international artists presenting current works of art in less-than-imposing sizes. Exhibit opens with a reception, 8-10 p.m. Through Sunday, Dec. 22. 319 W. Broad St. 643-1708.

Artspace The "VCU Crafts Department Student Show and Sale" and "Artspace Members' Exhibition" open with a reception, 7-9 p.m., with Floating Folk Festival member Pam McCarthy providing entertainment. $10 at door, free for children. The First Friday Opening Reception will be from 7-10 p.m. Free. Both exhibitions continue through Sat., Dec. 21. 6 E. Broad St. 782-8672.

Brazier Fine Art "Annual Gallery Artists Holiday Show" and "Alla Prima International Group Show." Oil paintings by gallery artists as well as works by painters belonging to Alla Prima International, a national organization of professional women artists. Opening with a reception at 5 p.m. Through Dec. 31. 3401 W. Cary St. 359-2787.

Main Art Gallery "Eurphoria and Anguish," an exhibit in mixed media by Cindy Neuschwander opens with a reception, 7-9 p.m. Through Jan. 31. 1537 W. Main St. 359-3499.

Orange Door Gallery "I Ain't Going To Work Tomorrow," paintings by Wes Freed and Angry Johnny. Opening reception includes songs by Wes Freed and Angry Johnny, a showing of the film "The Thrillbillies" by Jim Stramel and tattoos on-site by George Archer. 7-11 p.m. 12 W. Broad St. 648-7771.

Richmond Public Library Four new exhibits on view including art by the Tuckahoe Artists Association, photography by the Focus Group Camera Club and hand-painted papers and ceramic masks by Katrina Dyer. Reception Dec. 9. 6-8 p.m. Formations Redux, large-scale landscape paintings by Dana Frostick, opens with a reception, 7-9:30 p.m. in the Art and Music Foyer, Through Dec. 30 101 E. Franklin St.646-4256.

Starch Modern Home "Back to the Front," paintings by Andrew Hazenhand, and hand-woven wool textiles by Michi Ouchi, opens with a reception 7-10 p.m. Through December. 105 E. Main St. 344-3334.

Three Miles Gallery "Lotto Riciclato: A Collection" opens with a reception, 7-10 p.m. 1 W. Broad St. 677-1151.

VCU Art Education Student Art Exhibit presents the work of Richmond and surrounding area students in kindergarten through high school, 2-4 p.m. in the Pollak Building. 325 N. Harrison St. 828-1996.

2nd Annual Holiday Jam Leon Milmore, 59 H20 and No One's Neighbor perform a benefit for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots at the Canal Club. Sponsored by the Tuckahoe Jaycees, the show begins at 9 p.m. $10 at door, $5 with an unwrapped, new child's toy to donate. 777-77JC.

Book Signings Dianne Swann-Wright signs "A Way Out of No Way (African Americans in Central Virginia after War)," 3-5 p.m. at Book People. 536 Granite Ave.

Brunch with Santa The Linden Row Inn hosts a brunch with Santa, with caroling and storytelling, and appearances by characters from "The Nutcracker," 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $25. 783-7000, ext. 110. First and Franklin streets.

Christmas Parade The Ukrop's/Retail Merchants Association of Greater Richmond Christmas Parade returns this year, 10:15 a.m. at the DMV building, 2201 W. Broad St. and will continue through downtown. 346-0300.

The Executive Mansion Decorated for the holidays, the mansion opens to the public for viewing, 1-4 p.m. today and Sunday, Dec. 8. Tree-lighting ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. with holiday music. Reception in Executive Mansion until 7 p.m. Capitol Square.

music

Holiday Song Fest The Brandermill Retired Men's Club (BRMC) will sponsor a holiday song fest at the Brandermill Church. Will benefit various charities. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. 763-4614.

VCU Art Education Student Art Exhibit presents the work of Richmond and surrounding area students in kindergarten through high school, 2-4 p.m. in the Pollak Building. 325 N. Harrison St. 828-1996.

stage

"The Nutcracker" Performing Arts 2000 brings the classic ballet to life at The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, today at 2 p.m. with a repeat performance at 4:30 p.m. $5 for members of the center; $6 for nonmembers; free for children 2 and younger. (540) 967-1035.

Go Read! First Unitarian Church will have a panel discussion about Ernest Gaines' "A Lesson Before Dying," part of the Go Read! project, 7 p.m. Panel includes Suzanne Jones from the University of Richmond, Tim Stanton of Virginians Against the Death Penalty and Jeff Wilson, a member of Go Read!'s steering committee. 1000 Blanton Ave. 355-0777.

music

Music at Midday a series of programs at the Jefferson Hotel that feature student and adult choirs and string groups from the Richmond area, noon. For performance schedule, call 788-8000.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Christopher Lloyd, surveyor of some 10,000 works of art in Queen Elizabeth II's collection, will deliver the first Paul Mellon lecture Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. Free though admission ticket is required (limit: two per person). 340-1405.

events

Holiday Tour at Agecroft Hall The Bellycheer Tour: Dining in England in 1580-1640, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the English diet, the medicinal and culinary uses of herb and the dining customs and manners of the people during Tudor and Stuart times. Tour runs Tuesdays (beginning Dec. 10) through Sundays until Jan.5. Regular museum admission charges apply for tour. 4305 Sulgrave Road. 353-4241.

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